Court upholds suspect's privacy in restroom

The Oregon Court of Appeals says a suspect hiding from police in a public restroom is entitled to privacy.

The court ruled Wednesday that a glass pipe with cocaine residue cannot be used as evidence because it was seized without a warrant. It was taken when a Portland officer unlocked a restroom to arrest a wanted man.

The Oregonian reports the decision overturns the 2011 drug conviction of Marvin Lee Holiday. Multnomah County prosecutors will decide whether to retry the case.

The court decision said a restroom is a "bastion of privacy" even if the restroom is used for an unintended purpose.